You Ruined Christmas, The Yule Logs (self-issued)

For the third straight year, this Chico, CA band demands to be named the holiday's house band with a fresh set of familiar tunes and originals in a strong power-pop style. This 2011 collection kicks off with a nicely rocking "Sleigh Ride" that borrows a little from the Phil Spector arrangement, swinging into "Wishlist," an original based on our roster of desired Christmas gifts. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" substitutes Ziggy Stardust for figgy pudding, which is good, as every time I hear the song taken that far into the original lyrics I yell, "Get your own damn figgy pudding!" Other familiar tunes are a rocking "Here Comes Santa Claus" and a typically slow take on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." "Rock of Ages" is not something I recognize -- certainly not the familiar hymn or the Def Leppard song -- but the biblical nature of the lyrics suggests an adaptation from somewhere over a stomping rock beat. (UPDATE: Our pal Stubby reminds me that this is the Hebrew "Rock of Ages," or "Maoz Tzur." Which I should have remembered from the version on this album.) The guys get nostalgic with a "Wrestlemania Christmas," harkening back to the late 80s to meld the singer's two favorite celebrations while name-dropping a few wrestling stars along the way. In "Atheist Serf Holiday," belief in particular Christmas icons takes a beating over quotes from "Wipe Out." "Bad Boy Christmas" takes inspiration (and a riff or two) from "You Really Got a Hold On Me" while explaining why the singer is deserving only of coal for Christmas, and a Hanukkah Alert goes to "Latke Man," a Creedence-sounding nod to the Festival of Lights. Another great irreverent rocking album from this crew, and if you live in their region of the country you can check 'em live as well. Currently streamed and sold on Bandcamp only, though their previousalbums are on Amazon and iTunes now. UPDATE: Now at Amazon and iTunes, click the jacket to grab it.

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